Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Zoom teeth whitening; a guide from Harley Street

Want to whiten your teeth?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer two forms of teeth whitening Harley Street and would be more than happy to discuss them with you at our clinic.

In this introductory guide, we talk about one of the most popular types of teeth whitening Harley Street; Zoom whitening! So read on to learn more!

What is Zoom whitening?

With modern teeth whitening Harley Street, you don’t have to worry about having stains removed through grinding or abrasion.

This technique works by using gels and bleaches which, when applied to your teeth, remove stains from underneath the enamel when our team shines a light on them.

This oxidises the area, causing the stains to lift off of the tooth and creates a whiter smile.

The gels and bleaches used in Zoom also have a desensitising agent, which protects your teeth against discomfort caused by the whitening, making the procedure more comfortable overall.

In-chair whitening

Zoom whitening is broken down into two parts; the first is performed in our surgery.

We cover your gums with a protective barrier to prevent irritation from occurring. Then, based on what we think is needed and the level of whitening you want to achieve, our team will mix up a hydrogen peroxide gel that we then apply directly onto your teeth.

After this, we shine the Zoom light directly over the teeth, causing the gel to penetrate the enamel and remove stains; both surface and interior! We typically leave the gel to activate for around 15 minutes, before we rinse and remove it from your enamel.

Depending on the shade you want to achieve, we may repeat this stage multiple times, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.

At-home whitening

In parallel with this, we also offer at-home whitening kits, which you will generally use over 14 days between the in-chair sessions.

For this, you will be provided with a custom-fitted tray to fit over your teeth and you will then apply a specialised bleach gel into it. This gel is thick and should any of it be spilt onto your gums, you will need to remove it with a cloth or Q-tip.

You need to leave the gel in the trays to work for 30 minutes each day; once it is finished each day, you will need to brush your teeth with warm water. Be sure to rinse out the trays with cold water to prevent warping.

Prolonging the effects

As with all things, the effects of whitening your teeth can be enhanced or hindered.

If you smoke, consume foods or drinks that are high in tannins, then it is likely that your whitening will not last as long as it would if you refrained from these activities.

You can top up the effects of the whitening at home with the trays in between dental visits.

On average, this process will last between 6-9 months, but dental whitening can last up to 18 months.

Reapplication

Depending on the cause of the staining, our team may be able to reapply the whitening gels in the clinic once a year. As stated earlier, you can prolong and touch up the effects using the at-home system provided for you.

Retainers; how to cope after Invisalign

Have you finished wearing invisible aligners and are now wearing a retainer? Are you a bit unsure of what to do while undertaking this part of your orthodontic treatment?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can offer you tips on how to manage wearing a retainer (and all other areas of dental care) once you finish wearing Invisalign Harley Street, to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Great!

Here, we offer some general tips on what to do once you have finished wearing Invisalign Harley Street and have been provided with a retainer by our team.

Attend dental appointments

First things first, after you have finished wearing Invisalign Harley Street, you will need to attend regular dental appointments with our team.

This is for 3 key reasons. For one thing, our team will need to check that the retainer we provide you with is working to hold your teeth in place without causing issues. In some instances, the retainers can fail and the teeth can move out of alignment, which is why we need to see you regularly during the first few months after you finish wearing the aligners.

Secondly, we will need to check for cavities and other signs of decay; there is little point in having your teeth straightened if they are going to succumb to decay and gum disease shortly after.

And finally, we will need to see you simply to ensure that any concerns you have surrounding the treatment are answered and that you are happy with the final result of the realignment.

Wear the retainer

When you finish any orthodontic treatment, you will be given a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back into their former positions, without the pressure of a regular treatment aligner.

Our team will customise any retainers provided and, while it may seem an annoyance after wearing aligners, you will need to wear them as prescribed.

If you don’t, your teeth can revert back to their original positions, making the wearing of the aligner a waste of time and effort on your part.

Be smart and keep the retainers in!

Report discomfort

Wearing a retainer should not be uncomfortable.

If you experience discomfort while wearing a retainer, please contact our team. Such an issue could point towards the retainer warping out of shape, your teeth becoming misaligned or an issue with the initial fitting.

Irrespective of the cause, if it is unpleasant to wear your aligner, call our team.

Floss regularly

As obvious as it may sound in relation to dental hygiene, we will usually advise all of our patients who wear a retainer to regularly floss their teeth.

This is because flossing your teeth prevents plaque and bacteria from sticking to the retainer which, if left unchecked, can lead to a higher incidence of gum disease and decay.

If you need tips on flossing or using interdental brushes, please talk to our team.

Clean the retainer

Much like invisible aligners, you will need to keep your retainer clean in order for it to work and keep your teeth healthy. Simply rinse the retainer under a cold tap and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any stuck-on food. Alternatively, why not use a denture cleaner to refresh the retainer?

Dermal fillers by Harley Street

Standard dermal fillers W1 that we use in our clinic are hyaluronic acid based. This naturally occurring compound reduces with age, but let’s talk more about exactly how we use it.

Hyaluronic acid is an inert hydrophilic compound; when mixed with an appropriate quantity of water, it is hydrated into a thick gel. In its natural role, it fills and adds volume to our tissues. And makes up approximately 10% of our body tissue, but that varies with age, with older people having significantly less. There is a lot of hyaluronic acid in facial tissues, that is one of the contributing factors behind a sagging and a gaunt appearance as we age.

Thankfully, hyaluronic acid can easily be produced in bacteria and then grown in a sterile vat, (in much the same way that common beer is brewed) having a cheap and plentiful quantity for the use in cosmetic procedures.

Injection methods

Hyaluronic acid is administered via injection directly into the area where it is required. Very thin needles are used and it is well tolerated by most patients. Dermal fillers W1can be administered with numbing agents if you would prefer. Different injection techniques are used to get the most from the filler, depending on your aesthetic goals, but let’s go through some of the more generic ones.

Micro-papular technique

Filler is applied with many small injections just under the skin, 2 to 4 mm apart. The small droplets of filler are used to cover wide areas quickly, giving an even increase in volume. This is considered the most effective for rehydrating or rejuvenating areas using fillers, which are going to have an effect on the skin and immediately plump the area.

Sandwich method

The sandwich method involves injecting two portions of filler into different layers of skin. The skin between the two fillers stops the first from merging with the latter injection. It allows a great deal of height to be gained and can be used to give structure to parts of the face that have lost definition.

Threading injections

When filler is “threaded” a longer needle is placed under the skin parallel to the surface. Then, as the filler is deposited, the needle is withdrawn; this leaves a line of filler in the tissue where the needle once was.

Fanning

A larger extension of the threading technique, where the new filler is placed multiple times under the tissue from the same origin, it creates a set of lines of filler all coming back to the same injection site like the spines on a fan. It is used to cover the wide areas of the face, like the cheeks.

How long do fillers last?

Different injection techniques will advertise different features of the face or mitigate different issues, but will not change the overall length of time that the fillers take to break down. This is usually noticeable 6 months after treatment and they are completely reabsorbed within 12 months. Many patients will choose to have top-up treatments with us to maintain their dermal fillers W1 after 6 months.

Aftercare for dental implants; a rough guide

Recently had oral implants fitted? Need some guidance on managing them at home?

At Harley Street Dental, we have overseen the fitting of hundreds of dental implants Harley Street and can help you navigate every stage of the oral implant fitting process with ease.

Here, we offer some pointers on the aftercare surrounding dental implants Harley Street.

Eating

For the first few days after you have had your dental implants Harley Street fitted, you will want to avoid spicy food, salty food or hard foods.

And so, it may be wise to invest in softer, healthier foods such as boiled vegetables and soups.

Try to stay hydrated too, as this will speed up the healing process.

Pain relief

While we cannot state how uncomfortable having oral implants fitted will be, we have often heard it compared to a dental extraction by patients.

And as such, you will want to invest in some over-the-counter pain relief if you have concerns about discomfort. We recommend using paracetamol, but avoid others such as aspirin and ibuprofen; the area is going to be bruised and sore, and these medications can cause the blood to thin and the bruising to worsen.

If you are concerned about the level of discomfort you are experiencing, then call our team for advice.

Cleaning

As odd as it may sound, after you have had oral implants fitted, you should refrain from brushing the implant site with a brush.

This is due to gum inflammation; brushing can irritate and may even promote movement of the implant, which we will need to avoid for the first few weeks as it fuses.

Instead, opt for using salt water to keep the site clean. Simply wash the site with the solution to keep it free from food and debris until our team advises you to go back to using a toothbrush.

It is also worth avoiding mouthwashes, as these can be rather astringent and cause further swelling to an already sensitive area.

Check-ups

As always, after you have had surgery or any other procedure, there will be check-ups. And even if you feel that it isn’t worth your while to attend them, we must recommend that you do.

Follow up appointments allow us to assess if the implants are settling correctly, spot signs of infection, rejection and of course, allow us to answer any questions that you may have about the process overall.

If you do not attend these check-ups, we will have no way of knowing if your implants are fusing correctly, and you may end up losing them altogether.

Infections and other complications

It is exceedingly unlikely that you will develop an infection from having oral implants fitted,

but there are some signs to keep an eye out for relating to this. If the area is swelling, becoming blue or red, if it is becoming more uncomfortable and if you feel unwell, flushed or are being sick, then you need to book an emergency appointment with our team. There is also a risk that the implant may be loose or may fall out; this will be evident when you brush your tongue against it. If it moves or you feel an unusual sensation, then once again, call our team for a check-up.

Laser dentistry and how it can help you

By staying abreast of any new dental technological advances, we can provide you with the most up-to-date, convenient and useful treatments on the market. Let’s find out more about how laser dentistry is changing the way we deliver services at our dentist W1.

Why use lasers?

Lasers have had an ever-growing impact on medicine in general. Their usefulness lies in their ability to carry out very precise incisions, which are cauterized as they are made. Computer-controlled removal of a micro-mm of tissue is now possible and the first applications were in laser eye surgery, as portions of the lens could be shaved away using high-intensity laser light.

Their introduction into surgical theatres was driven by the need to reduce blood loss during procedures. When it comes to our dentist W1, laser dentistry allows us to avoid the drill. For many patients the use of the dental drill is extremely unpleasant mainly due to the vibration and noise. Neither of these is a feature in laser led dentistry.

Root desensitisation

Sensitivity can be extremely disruptive and although is often caused by thinning enamel, there are only limited available treatments to build up or protect the tooth. Assuming there are no cavities, the structure is not at risk, so the only issue with sensitivity is the discomfort that usually accompanies anything hot or cold being put into the mouth.

This can be addressed directly with laser treatment disrupting the nerve and permanently ending any sensations of thermal sensitivity.

Soft tissue procedures

Our EPIC laser system in the clinic allows us to perform many soft tissue procedures in a rapid minimally invasive way too. Not only are these procedures faster, but also less likely to result in infection.

When cold sores and mouth ulcers require surgical intervention, laser procedures can remove that tissue and increase healing times over scalpel based intervention. Growths of all kinds can be removed in a similar way. Not only is this an efficient way to deal with benign, but inconvenient skin tags, it is also a very useful way of collecting the biopsy tissue of growths.

Gum tissue can be easily and precisely shaped; this can increase the definition of your gum line or aid in preventing receding gums. Providing defined arches of gum tissue and correcting your tooth to gum ratio, gingival contouring is primarily considered aesthetic. We are more than happy to offer it as an option and included in our range of treatments at our dentist W1.

If you would like to find out how our laser dentistry could help you or one of your family members, please feel free to get in contact with the clinic. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to consider you if you want to fill out our new patient query form. We understand how many patients have deep concerns about seeking treatment and can be extremely anxious about dentistry in general. If you suffer from dental anxiety please mention it to our reception staff and enquire about our use of laser dentistry.

How our dentist can help with bad breath

Do you have bad breath, and have tried everything to resolve it?

At Harley Street Dental, our dentist Harley Street has helped many of our patients banish less-than-fresh breath and can ensure that you stop feeling self-conscious about this issue with our range of targeted treatments.

Here, our dentist Harley Street takes a brief look at some of the most common causes of bad breath and how our team can help.

Food

OK, so it goes without saying that if you eat garlic, you may need a few breath mints before meeting up with friends.

But it is often overlooked by patients how certain foods can impact how their breath smells and so, our dentist Harley Street can offer you dietary advice on how to keep your breath smelling sweeter. This may involve drinking more water, eating less spicy foods and refraining from consuming alcohol, which can cause the mouth to become dry.

Lifestyle

This brings us nicely to the area of lifestyle, and how it can impact your breath.

If you drink alcohol often or you smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco or smoke a pipe, then it is likely your breath is going to offend.

Not only that, but all of these habits also increase the risk of oral, throat and lung cancer, so the risks go far beyond smelly breath!

We can offer you guidance concerning smoking cessation and, if required, will help you gain access to services that can assist you with alcohol consumption, which needs to be overseen by a general practitioner.

Gum disease

Another cause of bad breath is periodontal disease.

This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease emit bad odours and, if you have an excess of them in your mouth, they are going to be making your breath smell!

But we can help; our hygienist can offer you a scale and polish which will remove the plaque and bacteria from above and below your gum line, while also helping to reduce the effects of the gum disease.

We may also prescribe you a bacteria neutralising mouthwash or toothpaste, which will help prevent the issue from recurring.

Tooth decay

Similar to gum disease, tooth decay can cause your breath to smell bad, especially if it is advanced.

Once again, bacteria is to blame for this and, should you come to our team with bad breath caused by tooth decay, we will be able to offer fillings, crowns, root canals or extractions depending on the level of the decay.

Acid reflux

A common ailment that affects around 1 in 7 people at some time, acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid reaches the mouth. It more commonly occurs at night time and can be linked to food, illness, medication and weight. It can also cause bad-smelling breath, but luckily we can spot the signs of it on your teeth in the form of acid erosion on the backs of your teeth. We can’t reverse the acid reflux, but we can protect your teeth from it by applying a fluoride sealant.

Adjusting and improving your smile with cosmetic treatments

Improving your mental health along the way

When considering having any cosmetic work carried out, more often than not, the term cosmetic treatments Harley Street, flags up ideas of face lifts, Botox procedures and other more extensive changes to the face and body. Whilst these procedures do come under this title there are many other treatments and procedures available, including the less invasive processes such as teeth whitening.

When faced with teeth that are heavily stained from years of caffeine drinking, or from other foods, drinks or bad habits, knowing that there are options available to you to improve the appearance of your smile can be extremely comforting and uplifting.

What options are available?

If you search for teeth whitening solutions on the internet, more often than not, the results can send you spiralling in a variety of directions. At-home solutions, solutions within beauticians or tattoo parlours or over the counter at Sainsbury’s. Whilst they all may have some impact on your teeth, putting your care in our hands will ensure that the whitening process is effective and realistic. After all, having cosmetic treatments Harley Street ensures that you are receiving an extremely high level of care and something that will help improve your smile along with your mental health. Creating a smile that is improved, but looks natural is our aim.

Trusting in the name

Whilst the name Harley Street often fills people with confidence, it is always important that even with a well-known practice, you are aware of their successes. This is why looking at reviews of previous and current patients is something we encourage among future patients. Cosmetic treatments Harley Street, whether invasive or not, will leave a positive impact on your overall appearance and health, which is why we want you to know how we have achieved this for others in the past. Your trust in us is of extreme importance as we will be working close together for either a short or long period of time. Working together to achieve your goals.

Understanding the financial implications.

When veering towards the more cosmetically appealing treatments or procedures, they may be more costly than more mundane methods. Whilst the costs naturally impact a patient’s decisions in different ways, it is important to understand what the costs are and whether or not a payment plan can be put in place. Whilst we have guides of fees on our website, when looking for the treatment or procedure for you, make sure that you contact our friendly team before deciding one way or another. We are here to work with you and guide you in your decisions regarding changes to your appearance, so talk to us and allow us to explore ideas with you.

Creating a variety of options is something we thrive on at Harley Street and whilst one treatment or procedure may prove too costly, another suitable alternative is sure to be available and together we can decide on how best to approach this in order to gain the results you are after

Lip fillers; FAQs answered by Harley Street Dental Clinic

As we age, our bodies change.

And whilst this might not be an issue for many people as they begin to develop silver hair, others may notice that their skin begins to sag or their lips become thinner. If you wish to rekindle your lips being plump and are fed up with overlining them, then hyaluronic fillers may be the answer you are looking for!

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are proud to offer our suitable patients lip fillers Harley Street and would be happy to discuss this as a treatment option for you.

Here, our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic answers some of the most common questions we receive about lip fillers Harley Street. So, enjoy!

How are they applied?

Lip fillers Harley Street are applied via a set of small, thin syringes; typically, during the first application, our team may only use one syringe full of hyaluronic acid.

What can I expect afterwards?

There are minimal risks that come with having lip fillers applied.

However, for many people, there may be an initial sensation of soreness, bruising and minor swelling around the injection site. You may also notice some minor itching, which you should manage with an ice pack; do not scratch the site where your fillers have been injected.

Is aftercare difficult?

There is quite a long list of aftercare tips for having fillers applied, which we will briefly glance through here. For more advice on aftercare tips for lip fillers, please talk to our team.

Firstly, as tempting as it is to rub the area where you have just had the injections, you must refrain from doing this for at least 48 hours. When they are injected under the skin, fillers are very mobile, and applying pressure to them can move them out of position. If you need to manage the tingling sensation that can accompany them, apply a cold flannel.

You will also need to avoid sunbathing or tanning beds; this is because, once again, the fillers can move due to the excessive heat, and UV light rarely works well with hyaluronic acid! If you attend the gym, you will need to miss a few days since physical exertion too can cause fillers to move around. These are some basic tips, and, as suggested earlier, for more information, talk to our team.

When will the results become noticeable?

As there is no downtime and minimal issues with swelling and bruising, you may notice the effects of the fillers as soon as you leave our surgery.

However, for many people, it can take between 2-4 days for the fillers to take full effect.

Can I have them reapplied?

Fillers are a non-surgical method for reducing wrinkles and plumping the skin; therefore, you can have them reapplied more regularly than many of the other cosmetic surgical options.

However, the duration between applications will vary based on your age, lifestyle choices (such as if you smoke) and the amount of filler that was injected.

On average, our team can reapply lip fillers every 4-6 months.

A short guide to Invisalign aligners

Are you eager to straighten your teeth but want to know a bit more about the orthodontic options available?

When you come to Harley Street Dental Clinic for orthodontic work, we can offer you a wide range of treatments, including Invisalign W1.

Here, our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a brief guide to Invisalign W1 so that you can learn a bit more about this aligner.

What are invisible aligners?

In short, Invisalign W1 or invisible aligners physically resemble mouthguards that are worn by people who play contact sports.

These aligners are made from clear plastic and will fit over your teeth snugly as they can be custom-made to move only your teeth. They usually come in a pack of about 14 aligners, which will have to be worn in a specific order to achieve your goal.

Due to their visual discretion, clear aligners are exceedingly popular with adult and teenage patients.

Daily use (basics)

When you use invisible aligners in your daily life, there are a few key points to remember.

Firstly, you need to remove them before you eat or drink; this will help to keep them clean and intact.

When you have finished eating and are about to put the aligners back in, you will need to brush your teeth to remove any food debris; this will keep your teeth healthy since pressing food debris against your enamel or gums with an aligner is likely to cause problems with hygiene.

And finally (well, not finally but our team can fill you in on other bits!), you will need to keep your aligners in for as long as possible each day to see the effects; we recommend 22 hours.

Potential issues

It is unlikely that you will experience any issues due to the use of invisible aligners, but we feel we need to mention potential ones just in case.

An issue you may experience is discomfort with both the movement of your teeth and the aligners rubbing against the soft tissues of your mouth. Concerning the first issue, over-the-counter pain relievers should suffice at resolving this, and if it doesn’t, then please book an appointment to see our team; aligners are not meant to be uncomfortable.

Should you notice that the aligners are rubbing against your inner cheeks or tongue and causing sores, we recommend that you invest in dental wax. Placing this wax on the parts of the aligner that rub against your soft tissues will create a buffer and prevent any secondary issues from occurring whilst also being comfortable.

Treatment time

On average, invisible aligners take between 3 and 6 months to straighten teeth.

However, this is not set in stone, and many patients may get their teeth straightened sooner or may need to wear the aligners for longer. It is also worth noting that as these aligners are removable, it can be tempting to leave them out for longer periods than recommended; this can hinder the realignment process and may cause your teeth to revert to their former positions. So, to keep your treatment on schedule, keep your aligners in.

A simplified guide to composite bonding

Do you want to whiten your teeth but don’t want to use veneers? Or do you have a crack on one of your teeth that you want to conceal?

If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then we may have the answer for you.

When you come to our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can offer composite bonding Harley Street, to help conceal any cracks, stains or minor gaps that you may have in your mouth. Great!

But what exactly is involved with bonding? Here, our team offers a brief guide to composite bonding Harley Street, allowing you to decide whether this dental procedure is right for you.

What is bonding?

Much like veneers, composite bonding Harley Street can be used to correct aesthetic imperfections with a smile whilst also being versatile enough to conceal minor gaps.

Unlike porcelain veneers, which require a 3D scan or dental mould to create, bonding can be done using composite, which is placed directly onto the tooth that it is to be attached to.

Our team will then shape and sculpt the composite resin into the desired shape and voila! You will have a tooth that appears either whiter, less damaged or straighter.

How it can be used

As mentioned above, composite bonding can be used to correct a myriad of dental issues.

For one thing, you may have some teeth that you want to be whitened but are not in favour of using veneers. Similarly, you may have some minor gaps in between your front teeth that you don’t want to undertake orthodontics for, and so, our team can advise you on whether composite bonding is appropriate or not.

Composite bonding can also be used to conceal cracks and chips in the enamel.

The process

Firstly, our team will need to discuss the aesthetic requirements with you; do you want your teeth to look whiter? Or do you want to simply conceal a stray crack across one of your front teeth?

Our team will then choose a resin that matches the shade of your teeth, to ensure that the aesthetic needs are met. We will then gently sand a small amount of the tooth surface off, to create a roughened area to better adhere the composite to. We will then coat the tooth with a liquid that will act as glue, ensuring that the applied composite stays in place.

The resin will then be applied to the tooth and shaped using drills and files; don’t worry, this won’t be too uncomfortable! Once we reach the desired shape, we will harden the resin using UV light and then polish the surface to make it as smooth as possible.

Longevity

With the correct care, composite bonding can easily last up to and over 5 years.

It is worth noting that whilst the resin used is hardy, it can wear away and become chipped. If this occurs, our team will aim to restore it.

But remember, you will need to see our team every 6 months for a checkup, so we can assess whether your bonding is holding or requires some additional work to stay in place.

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